11 Historic Hotels in Boston

Both traditional and modern, Boston is one of Massachusetts’ most historic cities. This metropolis is the perfect destination for travelers who love exploring. Its beautiful attractions, legendary landmarks, and historical legacy will make your trip extremely memorable. In addition to its historical sites, the historic hotels Boston, MA, has to offer are also worth checking out. Staying in a historic hotel in Boston will allow you to understand the city a little bit better. Aside from being historical, the hotels listed below are also seen as some of the best in the city! To drift back in time, take a look at the hotels below!

The Bostonian Boston

11

The first historic hotel in Boston that we’d love to show you is The Bostonian Hotel. One of the city’s most sought-after hotels, it’s sandwiched between Boston’s North End, Waterfront, and the historic downtown. The hotel was built in the winter between 1980 and 1981. The original plan for the hotel was for it to operate in mid-1982. However, that plan had to be postponed because of a basement flood.

What’s interesting about this Boston hotel is its location, as it’s literally only a few steps away from the haunted Faneuil Hall. For years, many have reported hearing loud, disembodied screams. Some people say the scream is from a woman, while others say the scream sound like a man. If you want to explore some of Boston’s haunted spots, this Boston historic hotel is a great base!

The Boxer

10

The Boxer is a petite historic hotel in Boston that represents the city’s history really well. After being renovated recently, the hotel now boasts a splash of contemporary amenities while still featuring the vintage quality it’s well known for. It now has a brand new reception area, 80 redesigned guestrooms, and the Finch, a handsome dining area for guests to enjoy their meal.

Just like Boston, this hotel is modern and traditional at the same time. This boutique hotel in Boston is cleverly designed in an intriguing 1904 flatiron building. What’s more, the hotel’s hard-to-beat location will keep guests busy and entertained. TD Garden is only a 5-minute walk away, and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace is just over 10 minutes away!

The Eliot Suite Hotel

9

Set in a stunning mansion, The Eliot Suite Hotel is one of the best historic hotels Boston, MA, has to offer. Tucked away in Boston’s historic Back Bay neighborhood, this Boston historic hotel has been accommodating locals and travelers for over 80 years. And for almost a century, it has been a landmark in the city. Since 1939, it has been owned by two generations of the same family.

Today, this historic hotel in Boston offers sophisticated guestrooms and suites with modern services. Apart from that, guests can also make use of the free access to the Boston Sports Club. Best of all, staying here means your to-do list will always be filled with many exciting activities, as some of the area’s top eateries and shopping centers are within easy reach.

The Langham

8

As one of the best historic hotels Boston, MA, has to offer, we think The Langham needs no lengthy introduction. This opulent hotel is so popular that we’re sure you’re familiar with it. However, did you know its history? Built-in 1922, the hotel was originally the first Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. This means it had an extremely important role in the nation’s banking history.

Moreover, the charming building features Renaissance Revival style architecture. The former bank vault has been turned into a pastry kitchen in the interior. Plus, the entry doors from Pearl Street still have gold coin moldings. Considering everything it offers, you won’t regret staying at this historic Boston hotel!

Hotel AKA Back Bay

7

Previously the Lowes Boston Hotel, Hotel AKA Back Bay, is another great option for those looking for historic hotels Boston MA has to offer. The original building of this hotel was built in the 1920s, and it was once the Boston Police Headquarters. This seven-story building was constructed out of limestone. Then, in 2002, the building was sold to the Saunders Hotel Group. After that, it was made into a hotel featuring 220 rooms.

Honoring the building’s history, the hotel’s bar is given the name Cuffs. Aside from that, the lobby boasts black-and-white photographs from its time as the police headquarters. Today, it’s a popular lodging that’s loved by many because of its unmatched location. Set in Boston’s fancied shopping and dining district, some of the top things to do in Boston are only moments away.

Fairmont Copley Plaza

6

As a Historic Hotels of America member since 1989, we think it’s only fair to include the Fairmont Copley Plaza on this list. The hotel is a luxury downtown stable that has been a symbol of Boston’s rich history since its opening in 1912. Built on the original site of the Museum of Fine Arts, this hotel has accommodated almost every US president since Taft. Moreover, many celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Tom Cruise have also experienced everything this hotel offers.

The popularity of this historic hotel in Boston doesn’t end there, as it also has been featured in two movies, The Firm and Blown Away. Conveniently set in Boston’s historic Back Bay, this hotel is only a stone’s throw away from some of the area’s attractions, restaurants, and shops. Spending your nights at this luxurious Boston hotel allows you to show off your accommodation to your friends and experience the best the city has to offer.

The Lenox

5

Up next is The Lenox, another Boston historic hotel that’s rich in culture and history. The building was constructed in 1900 by Lucius Boomer. At 11 stories high, this hotel cost over a million to construct, which was a huge amount of money, making it the tallest building in Boston at the time. When it was built, it was even called the Waldorf-Astoria of Boston. It’s a reference to its owner, who also owned New York’s Waldorf-Astoria.

Throughout the years, this historic hotel in Boston has accommodated plenty of famous guests, including Judy Garland, who stayed there for a few months in 1965. To honor her, the room where she spent her nights is now named the Judy Garland suite. Built-in a Beaux Art style, this hotel still features the red and white terra-cotta bricks it had back in the day. Better yet, some rooms have wood-burning fireplaces that are still in good condition. Also, did you know that this hotel is one of the top gay-friendly hotels in Boston?

Copley Square Hotel

4

Among all of the historic hotels Boston, MA has to offer; the Copley Square Hotel is easily a standout. Built-in 1891, this hotel was Boston’s second-oldest operating hotel. If you’re wondering, the hotel’s name is an homage to John Singleton Copley, the American painter. Since it first began receiving guests, many popular names have spent their nights here. They include the legendary Babe Ruth, Sydney Bechet, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and many others.

Furthermore, this seven-story historic hotel in Boston was designed by Fred R. Pope. Constructed out of brick, it features the perfect mix of Italian Renaissance and Beaux Arts styles. Though the interior of this building has been extensively renovated, the outside still looks pretty similar to when it was first built. If you’re looking for a historic Boston hotel in the heart of the city, this is the one!

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse at Custom House

3

Another addition to our list of the best historic hotels Boston, MA, has to offer is the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse at Custom House. Built in 1847, this hotel was originally called the Boston Custom House. It was designed by architect Ammi B. Young to collect duties on imported goods from shops sailing from Boston harbor. This hotel was a cruciform Greek Revival building that was popular for its Greek Doric portico with a Roman dome.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the number of shipping increased greatly, so there was a need to expand the custom house. After being reconstructed, the 26-story custom house became the tallest building in Boston at that time. Then, in 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Finally, the building was made into a hotel by Marriott Vacation Club International in the year 1997. You can still learn about the history of this historic hotel in Boston in the small museum set on the hotel’s second floor.

The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel

2

Completed in 1851, The Liberty hotel wasn’t like what we know today. Back then, Gridley James Fox Bryant and Rev. Louis Dwight designed the Charles Street Jail. The former was deemed the city’s most accomplished architect, and the latter was a prominent penologist. Throughout the year, the jail has housed many famous inmates, like the Boston Strangler, Albert DeSalvo, as well as Hohn White Webster, James Michael Curley, and many others.

Then, in 1973, the prisoners started to revolt because of the underwhelming living conditions, and the jail was declared unfit to accommodate them. Finally, in 1990, the prisoners were moved to a new jail. Fast forward to 2007, the building was then opened as the Liberty Hotel after a huge renovation. This hotel combines historic architecture with modern amenities and is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. From award-winning dining and easy access to the city’s top attractions, this historic hotel in Boston is loved by both locals and travelers alike.

Boston Omni Parker House Hotel

1

The number one historic hotel in Boston on this list is none other than the Boston Omni Parker House Hotel. Did you know that it’s the longest continuously operating hotel in the US? Yep, this hotel has been a landmark in Boston since 1855. It was then called the Parker House Hotel until the current Omni Parker House Hotel replaced it in 1927. That’s not all, as the hotel’s restaurant, named Parker’s Restaurant, is also one of the city’s oldest restaurants! For history buffs, this Boston historic hotel can surely give them an unforgettable experience!

As one of the top historic hotels Boston, MA, has to offer, every American president since Ulysses S. Grant has stayed at this hotel. Apart from that, it was also a hot spot for the members of the literary Saturday Club, which was held in the hotel’s restaurant. Today, this hotel is a luxury hotel that features top-notch amenities, over 500 comfy guestrooms and suites, three restaurants, and 23,000 square feet of event space! Offering a mix of historic charm and modern conveniences, this hotel is truly fascinating.

Recommended Bars/Restaurants in Boston

• Union Oyster House – As one of America’s oldest eateries and offering 18th-century charm, this restaurant is a must-visit. It serves New England seafood classics as well as some of the city’s popular baked beans and oysters.
• Yvonne’s – Set in downtown, this restaurant is housed in a building that dates back to 1832. It’s a refined yet playful supper club that’s accented with marble and mahogany wood. Aside from the classy atmosphere, it’s also famous for its variety of dishes. However, they’re on the pricier side.
• Amrhein’s – What we have here is South Boston’s oldest bar and restaurant. Offering free on-site parking, the pizzas and burgers are to die for!

Recommended Things To Do in Boston

• Boston: 2.5-Hour Walking Tour of the Freedom Trail – Get ready to see all 16 of Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail sites! Experience the American Revolution and listen to the guide’s explanation about each historic site!
• Boston: Historical Sightseeing Cruise – Along with fellow travelers, discover the historic milestone of the city’s inner and outer harbors! You can enjoy the views on the deck or from the indoor space that boasts large windows.
• Boston: 1.5-Hour Ghosts and Gravestones Tour – If you’re brave enough, you should join this tour and visit some of the city’s scariest spots. Discover Boston’s eerie history and venture to burial grounds that are almost 400 years old!